Bangalore, Dec 13, 2009: Former Bangalore super-cop and parliamentarian Pu H T Sangliana has been appointed Vice-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities with the rank of a Minister of State, according to a statement released here.

Pu Sangliana is said to be very close to the Gandhi family and his elevation to the post has not surprised many despite his electoral debacle early this year when he was defeated by a BJP candidate from Bangalore Central constituency.

According to our sources, Pu Sangliana is expected to be in New Delhi most of the time now. His elevation to the ministry was expected since long but the Congress high-command was occupied with many other issues like price rise, sources, close to the maverick Hmar Mizo politician, said.